What is a VPN Connection and is it Safe?

When you connect to the internet, service providers such as your cable company, phone company, Internet Service Provider (ISP), or university network can view that connection. Additionally, hackers can access this connection when you’re connected to the internet.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure connection over a remote server in another location so you can browse the internet anonymously without revealing your true location.

Your ISP and anyone else monitoring your connection won’t be able to see what sites you visit or other information about your online activities. This article explains what a VPN is, how it works, and whether using one is safe.

Virtual private networks (VPNs) operate by creating a secure connection over a remote server. This allows you to appear as if you are connected to that server from your home, office, or wherever you are. Any data you send through the connection will be fully encrypted and secured from prying eyes.

Using a VPN is an excellent way to protect your online privacy and security. While it does this by encrypting every single packet of data that passes between your device and the remote server, it does not mean it’s completely safe. In fact, a VPN connection can hide your activity so much that it may not even be safe for what some people would consider sensitive activities such as banking or shopping online.

If you’ve heard anything about using a VPN lately and have been wanting to get started, we’ll cover everything you need to know in this article so you can make an informed decision on whether or not using a virtual private network is right for you.

What is a VPN?

A virtual private network (VPN) is a type of network that is operated over a remote connection. It allows you to connect to a remote server using the internet as a secure “tunnel”.

VPNs are commonly used by corporations to connect remote workers and by people looking to unblock websites or secure their privacy when browsing the web.

How Does a VPN Work?

A VPN creates a secure tunnel between your device and the remote server. When you connect to the VPN, your device will ask your network for the address of the server.

Your device will then create a secure connection to this server and start sending all of its outgoing traffic through the VPN. Your network will now see this traffic as if it came from the VPN server.

When Should You Use a VPN?

VPNs are not completely safe and secure. Additionally, they can also have some major disadvantages compared to using a normal internet connection. We recommend using a VPN when:

You need to protect your privacy. A third party on the same network as you could potentially see or record your online activity.
You need to access a restricted network, like when you work at a hotel that only allows you to connect to the network from the lobby.
You need to unblock geo-restricted content, like watching your favorite streamer from overseas.

VPN Benefits

1. Encrypts Your Traffic

When you connect to a VPN, your data will be fully encrypted and hidden from anyone who tries to intercept it. If a hacker or government wants to look at your data, they would have to access your device to see it. This will ensure that no one can see or listen to your online activity.

2. Hides Your IP Address

When you connect to a VPN, your IP address will be changed and will not be easily identifiable. Therefore, anyone who tries to track your online activity will have a much harder time finding out information about you.

3. Prevents ISPs From Spying On You

Since your data will be encrypted when it is traveling through the VPN, ISPs won’t be able to see any data related to your online activity. Therefore, they wouldn’t be able to monitor your internet usage and sell your data to third parties.

4. Makes It Harder For Hackers To Easily Access Your Device

A VPN will scramble your online data, making it hard for hackers to access your device easily. Additionally, since your data will be encrypted, it will be nearly impossible for hackers to steal your data from the VPN server.

5. Keeps You Safe From Online Distraction

Some people use the internet to distract themselves from their problems, like work or school. If someone is constantly checking social media or streaming videos, they could miss important progress in schoolwork or other important subjects. A VPN will encrypt your internet traffic and hide any tracking information you may have been sending out, keeping you safe from online distractions.

VPN Disadvantages

Increased Bandwidth Usage – Since you’re sending all your data through the VPN server, you’ll need a bit more bandwidth to get this done.
server IP Hijacking – If the VPN server you’re connecting to gets hacked, the entire connection will be at risk. Therefore, you’ll need to change the server IP address often and make sure it’s secure.
DNS Leaks – When using a VPN, your location will be hidden by the IP address. DNS queries will still be routed through your ISP, so your location may be exposed.
No Online Protection – If you are using a public Wi-Fi, someone could potentially view or wiretap your internet traffic. Using a VPN will only hide your online activity and won’t protect you from someone physically accessing your device.

Which Platforms/Devices are Most Popular for VPN?

Virtual Private Networks are becoming an increasingly popular way to protect your browsing privacy, especially when you want to access geo-restricted content. There are many VPN providers available, with some of the most popular including:

Hotspot Shield VPN: This VPN is easy to use and will protect your browsing privacy with military-grade encryption. It is available for almost every device and has a 30-day free trial.

NordVPN: This VPN service is based in Panama, which makes it one of the most secure VPNs available. It uses double encryption and provides unlimited bandwidth to protect your browsing privacy.

CyberGhost: This VPN is one of the fastest on the market, with over 5,000 servers worldwide. It has a smart kill switch and can be used on almost every device.

Final Words: Is it Safe to Use a VPN?

Virtual private networks aren’t completely safe and secure, and they can also have some major disadvantages compared to using a normal internet connection. We recommend using a VPN when:

You need to protect your privacy. A third party on the same network as you could potentially see or record your online activity.
You need to access a restricted network, like when you work at a hotel that only allows you to connect to the network from the lobby. – You need to unblock geo-restricted content, like watching your favorite streamer from overseas.
You need to encrypt data, like when you use public Wi-Fi.

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